May 22, 2009 (Part 2); Denver steals one in LA, tying the series at 1

It was another close encounter at the STAPLES Center.

It was very close that the score after the first quarter of Game 1 and today's game was identical at 31-23, but the only difference was that the Lakers led today.

The Lakers dominated the first quarter, but the Nuggets countered in the second quarter, as they ended it with a 11-2 run, outscoring the Lakers, 31-24 on that quarter, and with Carmelo Anthony scoring the last 12 points for the Nuggets.

The third quarter was simply gut-wrenching, with shots falling from every angle. The Lakers led by seven, 71-64, but the Nuggets refused to go away, ending the quarter with a 16-10 run, cutting the Laker lead to just one, 81-80.

The fourth quarter was the most exciting part of the game. Linas Kleiza made a three-pointer from the left corner to give the Nuggets a three-point lead, and it was a seesaw battle afterwards, up until the very end.

Chauncey Billups made some crucial free-throws towards the end, which made the difference as the Nuggets cruised on to a 106-103 victory at the STAPLES Center, tying the series at one game a piece.

Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets with the game-high 34 points on 12 out of 29 from the field, along with 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Billups ended the night with 27 points on 6 out of 15 from the field, with 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Kenyon Martin and Linas Kleiza both finished with 16 points, with Martin having 3 rebounds and 2 assists and Kleiza with 8 rebounds.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers on a losing effort with 32 points on 10 out of 20 from the field, with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Trevor Ariza had another great game with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Pau Gasol had a double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds, with 3 assists, while Lamar Odom came off the bench scoring 10 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.

Game 3 will be played on Sunday, May 24 at 8:30 AM, with the series shifting to Denver.

Game 2
West Finals
Denver 106
LA Lakers 103
STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California
DEN: Carmelo Anthony- 34 pts, 9 rebs, 4 assts, 1 stl.
LAL: Kobe Bryant- 32 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assts, 1 stl.
Series tied 1-1
Game 3 on Sunday, May 24 at 8:30 AM from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

There you have it!

Later on tonight are PBA games from the Araneta Coliseum. Results will be posted after the games!

God bless you guys! Stay safe! Peace out!

The Wizard was here... :)